Common Horse Diseases - Symptoms, Treatments & Preventive Care

Is your horse showing signs of illness, and you’re unsure what could be wrong? Horses, like all animals, can’t tell us when they’re sick, but they show us through changes in their behavior, appetite, or physical condition. 

Whether it’s a sudden colic bout, or the early signs of strangles, knowing the symptoms and treatments can help you manage these situations confidently.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through 15+ common horse diseases, covering everything from respiratory diseases like equine influenza to chronic conditions like laminitis. 

Understanding these diseases, their symptoms, and available treatments could make all the difference when it comes to your horse's health.

We’ll also explore holistic alternatives, emergency care tips, and preventative measures to help you protect your equine friend from future ailments.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know to spot potential health problems early and act decisively to keep your horse healthy.

15+ Common Horse Diseases, Symptoms, and Their Treatments

Horses are prone to several health issues, from minor discomforts to serious conditions. Here’s a breakdown of 15+ common horse illnesses, their symptoms, and the treatments that can help restore your horse's health.

Illness	Symptoms	Causes	Treatments
Colic	-Restlessness, -Pawing on the ground - Rolling - Excessive sweating - Loss of appetite	- Gas buildup - Intestinal blockages - Sudden diet changes - Dehydration - Stress	- Immediate veterinary care - Pain relief (analgesics) - Fluid therapy - Surgery if severe
Equine Influenza	- Persistent cough - High fever - Nasal discharge - Swollen lymph nodes - Lethargy	- Viral infection caused by airborne droplets - Close contact with infected horses - Poor biosecurity	- Rest (3-4 weeks) - Anti-inflammatory medications - Isolation - Vaccination for prevention
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis	- Muscle weakness - Ataxia (loss of coordination) - Difficulty swallowing - Head tilting	- Protozoa (Sarcocystis neurona) transmitted through contaminated feed/water by opossums	- Antiprotozoal drugs (e.g., ponazuril) - Supportive therapies (anti-inflammatory drugs) - Rehab
Fever	- Body temperature above 101.5°F - Rapid breathing - Sweating - Depression - Off feed	- Infections (bacterial/viral/fungal) - Dehydration - Systemic inflammation - Underlying disease	- Identify & treat cause (antibiotics/antivirals) - Hydration - Fever reducers (anti-pyretic)
Laminitis	- Lameness - Difficulty walking - Heat in hooves - Standing with weight shifted to back feet	- Overeating high-sugar grass - Obesity - Infections - Stress - Insulin resistance	- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Corrective shoeing - Dietary management - Weight control
Strangles	- Thick nasal discharge - Abscessed lymph nodes - Difficulty swallowing - Fever	- Bacterial infection (Streptococcus equi) - Spread through contact with infected horses or equipment	- Antibiotics - Draining abscesses - Quarantine - Hygiene practices to prevent the spread
Osteoarthritis	- Joint stiffness - Reduced range of motion - Swelling in joints - Lameness	- Age-related joint degeneration - Chronic wear and tear - Previous joint injuries - Inflammation	- Pain management (NSAIDs, joint injections) - Joint supplements (glucosamine) - Physical therapy
Not Eating Enough	- Loss of appetite - Weight loss - Reduced energy - Lethargy	- Dental problems (e.g., tooth pain) - Gastrointestinal issues - Stress - Illness (e.g., liver disease)	- Dental checkup and care - Addressing underlying illness - Diet modification
Tetanus	- Muscle stiffness - Lockjaw - Inability to move or walk - Violent muscle spasms	- Bacteria (Clostridium tetani) enter through wounds - Rusty objects or contaminated soil	- Immediate tetanus antitoxin - Antibiotics (penicillin) - Wound care - Muscle relaxants
Back Problems	- Pain when saddling - Reluctance to move - Muscle stiffness - Poor performance	- Poor saddle fit - Injuries from overexertion - Bad posture - Long-term back strain - Poor conformation	- Chiropractic adjustments - Proper saddle fitting - Physiotherapy - Massage - Rest
Common Cold	- Coughing - Clear nasal discharge - Sneezing - Mild fever - Fatigue	- Viral infection - Poor ventilation in stables - Close contact with infected horses - Changes in weather	- Rest - Good stable management (ventilation) - Hydration - Supportive care (humidifiers)
Cushing’s Disease	- Increased thirst - Frequent urination - Coat changes - Muscle wastage - Weight loss	- Pituitary gland dysfunction - Hormonal imbalance (cortisol overproduction)	- Pergolide (medication to manage hormone levels) - Dietary management (low sugar, high fiber diet)
Dental Problems	- Difficulty chewing - Dropping food - Bad breath - Facial swelling - Weight loss	- Tooth decay - Infections - Sharp enamel points - Overgrown teeth - Gum disease	- Regular dental exams - Tooth extraction or filing - Management of infections with antibiotics
Depression	- Lethargy - Lack of interest in activities - Weight loss - Standing away from the herd	- Mental stress - Boredom - Poor social interaction - Illness - Poor living conditions	- Environmental enrichment - Socialization - Grazing time - Identifying & treating causes
Diarrhea	- Frequent loose stools - Dehydration - Weight loss - Weakness	- Infections (bacterial or viral) - Sudden diet change - Stress - Overuse of antibiotics	- Rehydration therapy - Probiotics - Anti-diarrheal medications - Identifying & treating cause
Digestive Disorders	- Bloating - Gas - Colic - Weight loss - Irregular bowel movements	- Gastrointestinal infections - Imbalanced diet - Parasitic infections - Ulcers	- Dietary changes (high-fiber, low-starch) - Probiotics - Medication for underlying infections
Equine Infectious Anemia Virus	- Intermittent fever - Weight loss - Anemia - Swelling in lower legs	- Blood-borne virus - Transmitted through biting insects - Contaminated needles	- No cure - Infected horses must be isolated - Supportive care to manage symptoms
Gastric Ulcers	- Poor appetite - Weight loss - Teeth grinding - Restlessness - Reluctance to train	- Stress - Excessive acid production - Inconsistent feeding schedule - Lack of turnout	- Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) - Dietary adjustments (small, frequent meals) - Reduce stress

 

In addition to conventional treatments, alternative therapies can provide further support. For example, products like GastroGard (Omeprazole) Paste for Horses can be useful in treating gastric ulcers. Similarly, supplements such as Nutramax Cosequin ASU Joint Health Supplement for Horses can support joint health for horses suffering from osteoarthritis.

Discover how holistic methods can enhance your horse’s recovery and overall well-being.

Holistic and Alternative Treatments for Common Horse Diseases

In recent years, many horse owners have sought out holistic and alternative treatments to complement traditional veterinary care. While modern medicine remains the backbone of treating severe equine diseases, these alternative approaches can offer supportive care, aiding recovery and improving overall well-being. 

Here are some of the most popular holistic treatments used for common horse illnesses:

1. Acupuncture

• Uses: Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate healing. It’s commonly used to manage pain, especially for conditions like osteoarthritis, laminitis, and back problems.
• Benefits: This therapy can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins). Many horses show increased comfort and flexibility after acupuncture treatments.

2. Chiropractic Care

• Uses: Horses with back problems, lameness, or joint stiffness can benefit from chiropractic adjustments. This therapy focuses on restoring proper alignment in the horse’s spine and joints, improving mobility, and reducing pain.
• Benefits: Chiropractic care can help alleviate musculoskeletal issues caused by poor posture, injuries, or repetitive strain. It’s especially useful for horses involved in performance disciplines like dressage or show jumping.

3. Herbal Remedies

• Uses: Herbal supplements, such as turmeric (for inflammation), valerian root (for calming), and milk thistle (for liver support), are commonly used as a natural way to address certain conditions.
• Benefits: Herbs can support digestive health, reduce anxiety, and help in the recovery of digestive disorders or Cushing’s disease. While not a replacement for medication, herbs can work in conjunction with conventional treatments.

4. Homeopathy

• Uses: Some horse owners turn to homeopathic remedies for issues like colic, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. These remedies are often highly diluted substances designed to trigger the body’s self-healing response.
• Benefits: Homeopathy is favored for its gentle approach and lack of side effects. However, it’s important to note that scientific support for homeopathic treatments is limited, and should be used under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

5. Massage Therapy

• Uses: Massage therapy is commonly used for horses with muscle tension, lameness, or stiffness. It helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and support recovery from injuries.
• Benefits: Massage can reduce pain, improve movement, and even boost a horse’s emotional well-being, especially in cases of depression or recovery from physical strain.

6. Aromatherapy

• Uses: Aromatherapy involves using essential oils, such as lavender for calming, or peppermint for digestion, to promote relaxation and healing in horses.
• Benefits: This therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve digestion, and boost immune function. While aromatherapy is not a substitute for veterinary care, it can serve as a helpful supplement to aid relaxation and healing.

7. Reiki

• Uses: Reiki is an energy healing practice that balances the horse’s energy and supports emotional and physical recovery. Horses suffering from stress, digestive issues, or chronic pain are often candidates for Reiki sessions.
• Benefits: Though the scientific evidence for Reiki is limited, many horse owners report that their animals are calmer and more balanced after sessions. It is often used in combination with other therapies.

Holistic treatments are best used in conjunction with traditional veterinary care and should always be discussed with a qualified veterinarian before being implemented. 

These alternatives can help manage symptoms, support recovery, and improve a horse’s overall quality of life, especially for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or digestive disorders. For instance, LubriSyn HA Pet & Equine Joint Formula can promote joint health, providing long-term relief for horses with mobility issues.

Although treatment options are plentiful, preventing illness is always the best strategy. 

Let’s move on to the steps you can take to prevent common horse diseases and keep your horse healthy.

Preventing Common Horse Illnesses: Best Practices

By following certain preventive measures, horse owners can significantly reduce the risk of common illnesses and improve their horse's overall well-being. 

Below are some of the best practices for preventing common horse diseases:

1. Regular Vaccinations

• Why It Matters: Vaccination is the first line of defense against many viral and bacterial infections, such as equine influenza, strangles, and tetanus. Keeping your horse up-to-date on vaccinations can prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
• Best Practices: Work with your veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule based on your horse’s age, environment, and exposure risk.

Horses in high-density environments or who travel often should receive more frequent vaccinations.

2. Maintain Good Hygiene

• Why It Matters: Poor stable hygiene can lead to the spread of infectious diseases like strangles and equine infectious anemia. Maintaining clean stalls, equipment, and horse grooming tools is essential.
• Best Practices: Clean stalls daily, disinfect equipment regularly, and ensure your horse has access to fresh, clean water. 

Additionally, isolate new or sick horses to prevent the spread of infections to others in the stable.  For wound care and cleanliness, Terramycin can be used to help prevent bacterial infections.

3. Routine Dental Care

• Why It Matters: Dental problems can lead to not eating enough, weight loss, and digestive issues. Regular dental checkups are critical to catching issues like sharp enamel points or tooth decay early.
• Best Practices: Schedule annual or biannual dental exams with an equine dentist. 

Early detection of dental issues can prevent complications like malnutrition or colic.

4. Balanced Diet and Nutrition

• Why It Matters: A well-balanced diet is key to preventing conditions like colic, laminitis, and gastric ulcers. Nutritional deficiencies can weaken a horse’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illness.
• Best Practices: Provide a balanced diet rich in fiber, low in starch, and adjusted according to your horse’s age, workload, and health conditions. 

Avoid sudden changes in diet, which can upset the digestive system. Grazing time on lush pastures should be monitored to prevent over-eating and laminitis. A beneficial dietary supplement to consider is Redmond Rock Crushed Loose Mineral Salt For Horses, which provides essential minerals for overall health.

5. Proper Hoof Care

• Why It Matters: Healthy hooves are essential to preventing lameness and conditions like laminitis and hoof abscesses.
• Best Practices: Ensure your horse’s hooves are trimmed regularly by a professional farrier. 

Monitor for signs of heat or tenderness in the hooves, and always keep your horse’s environment clean and dry to avoid infections. Products like Kera Mend Hoof Crack and White Line Paste For Horses can aid in treating hoof issues, ensuring strong and healthy hooves.

6. Regular Deworming

• Why It Matters: Parasites can cause digestive disorders, weight loss, and diarrhea. Regular deworming helps control parasite loads in horses, especially in environments where horses graze.
• Best Practices: Work with your veterinarian to develop a strategic deworming plan based on fecal egg counts. 

Avoid overusing dewormers, which can lead to resistance, and focus on pasture management to reduce exposure to parasites.  A reliable product for deworming is Ivermectin (1.87%) Paste Horse Dewormer.

7. Environmental Management

• Why It Matters: Managing your horse’s environment is key to reducing exposure to disease vectors like mosquitoes (which carry West Nile Virus) and controlling respiratory illnesses.
• Best Practices: Ensure proper ventilation in stables to reduce dust and mold, which can cause respiratory issues. 

Use insect repellents or fly sheets to protect your horse from biting insects, and regularly clean and maintain water troughs to prevent mosquito breeding. For effective fly protection, consider using EquiShield FG Fly Guard Repellent Spray For Horse.

8. Routine Vet Checkups

• Why It Matters: Early detection of illnesses like Cushing’s disease and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) can prevent complications and lead to better outcomes.
• Best Practices: Schedule routine health checkups with your veterinarian, even if your horse seems healthy. 

Regular blood work, physical exams, and monitoring of vital signs can help catch potential health issues before they become serious.

9. Stress Management

• Why It Matters: Stress is a major contributing factor to illnesses like gastric ulcers, depression, and immune suppression. Horses under stress are more likely to fall ill.
• Best Practices: Ensure your horse has a consistent routine, plenty of turnout time, and social interaction with other horses. 

Reducing stress during transport or events can also lower the risk of illness. To assist in maintaining a calm demeanor, you can use products like EquiShield IBH Insect Bite Hypersensitivity Spray for Horses, Dogs & Cats to alleviate itching and discomfort from insect bites, which can be a source of stress.

By following these best practices, horse owners can significantly reduce the risk of common illnesses and enhance the overall well-being of their horses. Prevention minimizes the need for costly treatments and helps horses live longer healthier lives.

However, it doesn’t matter how well-prepared you are, emergencies still happen. Here’s what you should do when your horse needs urgent medical help

Emergency Care for Urgent Horse Disease Treatments

In any equine emergency, time is of the essence. Knowing how to respond swiftly can make all the difference when your horse’s health is at stake. Whether it's a sudden bout of colic, a case of laminitis, or a severe wound infection like tetanus, being prepared and knowing how to act in an emergency is crucial. Here’s a guide on how to manage urgent horse disease treatments and what to do while waiting for the veterinarian to arrive:

1. Colic Emergency

Colic can escalate quickly, and early intervention may prevent complications like twisted intestines, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

• Immediate Actions:
• Walk the horse to prevent excessive rolling, which can worsen the condition.
• Call your veterinarian immediately, as some cases may require surgical intervention.
• Remove any food and water until the vet assesses the situation.
• Consider applying products like AniMed Psyllium Powder Supplement For Horse as a part of the aftercare plan to support a healthy digestive system once the crisis has passed.

2. Laminitis (Founder) Emergency

Laminitis is extremely painful and can cause permanent damage to the hoof if not treated quickly. Early intervention reduces the risk of long-term lameness.

• Immediate Actions:
• Move the horse to a soft surface (sand or deep bedding) to reduce pressure on the hooves.
• Apply cold water or ice packs to the hooves to reduce inflammation.
• Contact your veterinarian immediately for anti-inflammatory medications and further treatment.

3. Tetanus (Lockjaw) Emergency

Tetanus progresses rapidly, and without immediate treatment, it can be fatal. The quicker you can administer antitoxins and antibiotics, the better the prognosis.

• Immediate Actions:
• Keep the horse in a calm, quiet, and dark environment to prevent further muscle spasms.
• Administer tetanus antitoxin if available, but contact your vet immediately for a full treatment plan.
• Use wound-care products like Nu-Stock to manage any cuts or injuries that could become entry points for the bacteria.

4. Severe Wounds or Lacerations

Wounds, especially punctures or deep lacerations, are at high risk for infection. Tetanus is also a concern in such cases, so prompt veterinary care is essential.

• Immediate Actions:
• Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding.
• Clean the wound with products like TrizCHLOR 4 Mousse to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
• Call the vet for emergency suturing and antibiotics if the wound is severe.
• Keep the horse calm and prevent movement to avoid worsening the injury.

5. Acute Respiratory Distress

Respiratory issues can escalate into life-threatening situations quickly. Early treatment with bronchodilators or oxygen support is critical for survival.

• Immediate Actions:
• Move the horse to a well-ventilated area and keep them calm to reduce stress on the respiratory system. There are several horse-calming supplements available. You can use these supplements to relieve your horse.  Products like Pala-Tech Balt Respiratory Advantage Paste for Horses can help support respiratory health.
• Call the vet immediately, as respiratory distress may indicate severe infections (e.g., equine influenza or pneumonia) or an allergic reaction.

6. Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Severe allergic reactions can cause rapid swelling, making it difficult for your horse to breathe. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.

• Immediate Actions:
• Administer antihistamines or epinephrine if prescribed by your veterinarian for known allergens.
• Contact your vet immediately, as severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock.

7. Acute Neurological Symptoms

Neurological symptoms can be signs of severe infections or diseases that require immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage or death.

• Immediate Actions:
• Keep the horse calm and safe so your horse cannot fall or further injure itself.
• Contact your veterinarian, as these symptoms may indicate severe conditions like equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) or West Nile Virus.

Did you know that, there were 220 cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in horses in the United States in 2021? [source]

Preparing for Emergencies: Essential Tips

1. Emergency Kit: Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic solutions, a thermometer, and medications (such as tetanus antitoxin or antihistamines). For wound care, consider BPO-3 Shampoo for cleansing purposes.
2. Vet Contact Information: Have your veterinarian's contact information readily accessible at all times. In rural areas, know the emergency veterinary service numbers.
3. Training: Learn basic first aid techniques for horses, such as applying bandages, stopping bleeding, and monitoring vital signs. Incorporating Optixcare Eye Health Gel for Dogs, Cats, and Horses into your kit can help manage eye issues in emergencies.
4. Calm Handling: In emergencies, staying calm and handling the horse gently can prevent the situation from worsening.

Additional Preventive Care Products

• Shampoos: To prevent skin infections and maintain coat health, use specialized shampoos like DermaBenSs Shampoo and Equishield CK Medicated Anti-Fungal & Antibacterial Shampoo for Dogs, Cats, & Horses.
• Conditioners: Regular grooming with TrizCHLOR 4 Shampoo and EquiShield CK HC Shampoo For Horses, Dogs & Cats helps maintain healthy skin and coats.
• Hoof Care: To prevent hoof-related issues, use products like EquiShield FG Fly Guard Repellent Spray For Horse to protect against fly-borne illnesses, which can cause hoof damage over time.

Having a plan in place for emergency care is essential to safeguard your horse’s health. These urgent treatments can stabilize your horse while waiting for veterinary assistance and improve the chances of a full recovery. For a wide range of essential horse care products that can help you stay prepared, explore our carefully curated collection.

I hope this guide leaves you feeling empowered to take swift, confident action when your horse's health is at risk. By staying prepared and knowledgeable, you're ensuring the best possible care for your equine companion in any emergency. Visit HardyPaw, your trusted horse care resource, for more tips, guides, and quality products. Your vigilance and readiness can make all the difference in your horse's well-being.